WELCOME TO 2020-2021 TOHOPEKALIGA CHEERLEADING SEASON

WELCOME TO 2020-2021 TOHOPEKALIGA
                               CHEERLEADING SEASON

Dear Potential Cheerleader/Cheerleading Parent,

         First and foremost, I would like to thank you for considering THS as your future cheer team.
Being a cheerleader is hard work, and requires constant dedication to self, team, school, and
community. We are excited that you are interested in becoming part of our cheerleading family. So that
you are aware of all that is involved, we ask that you carefully and thoroughly read all of the information
in this packet. Please consider every aspect before deciding if THS Cheerleading is a suitable activity for
you. Individuals should remember that as part of the cheerleading team, you are a representative of
TKHS, and are expected to display a positive leadership image at all times both in the classroom and
around our community. In this packet you will find most if not all the information you will need to
decide if trying for the team is right for you. Please feel free to contact me with any comments,
questions or concerns.

          All students trying out must be presently enrolled, zoned or choice approved to attend
Tohopekaliga. This is a School District of Osceola County rule and NO EXCEPTIONS can be made. The goal
is to make Cheerleading at Tohopekaliga High School a team you want to be a part of. Since
Tohohopekaliga is a new school, it is important for us to create and develop an outstanding program
that will be an important part of the school. Here at Tohopekaliga we want to encourage athletes to be
leaders of the school, scholars, and community involved. Holding this job is a big responsibility. Being a
cheerleader is hard work, and requires constant dedication to self, team, school, and community. We
are excited that you are interested in becoming part of our cheerleading family. So that you are aware of
all that is involved, we ask that you carefully and thoroughly read all of the information in this packet.
Please consider every aspect before deciding if THS Cheerleading is a suitable activity for you. Individuals
should remember that as part of the cheerleading team, you are a representative of THS, and are
expected to display a positive leadership image at all times both in the classroom and around our
community.

The most important part of high school is a student’s academic progress. Therefore, incoming ninth
graders must have at least a C average, while current high school students must have at least a
cumulative 2.0 unweighted GPA. Grade/GPA checks will be conducted by the THS Guidance Department
once tryout paperwork is turned in, and students will be notified before the tryout clinic if they are
found to be ineligible to participate.

There is a huge time commitment involved in being a cheerleader. It is important and expected of
cheerleaders to be able and willing to go the extra mile. Parents and cheerleaders must understand that
cheerleading is a year-round commitment. All cheerleaders will cheer for both football and basketball
games. Additionally, cheerleaders will participate in various other school and community events. A
cheerleader is expected to commit his or herself for the entire year. Please see the Important Dates
page for our calendar through the beginning of August. Cheerleaders are given July off – we beg of you
to please plan your vacations accordingly. This is crucial to our success. Conflicts should be addressed
with Coach Rodriguez (Varsity) or Coach Pope (JV) immediately.

Unfortunately, cheerleading is not free. Please see the attached Sideline Fee Schedule page for more
details. (Competitive Fee Schedule will be released at a later date, as all costs are not available at this
time.) Students must have all debt cleared from the THS Obligation List before the tryout clinic begins or
they will be ineligible to participate.

All tryout paperwork (application, parent permission form, and teacher recommendations from ALL
CURRENT teachers), along with a $20 non-refundable fee which covers the cost of tryout judges and
must be received by Coach Rodriguez no later than 5pm on Monday, April 22nd. Payment can be made in
cash or check. Checks must be made payable to Tohopekaliga High School w/ the writer’s Driver’s
License # on it. In addition, all clinic participants must have a valid Physical on file w/ HHS’s Athletic
Office by this date as well. Remember, Physicals are only valid for 365 days after performed! We
encourage you not to wait until the last minute for all of this in case there are any issues with your
paperwork. Please take into account that a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an
emergency on ours! Incomplete/late paperwork will reflect athlete’s scores.

Students must attend the tryout clinic in full in order to be eligible for selection, with the exception of
individuals preapproved due to extenuating circumstances deemed by Coach Rodriguez. The clinic will
be held in the THS gym Thursday & Friday afternoons, April 13th- 15th, from 5pm-7pm, and will conclude
w/ the formal tryout on Thursday, April 16th at 5pm. The material (chant, cheer, and dance) will be
taught on Tuesday evening. An example of the double jump (a double toe-touch and then a choice of
your own two connected jumps), w/ counts, will be shown as well. Friday evening will be a brief material
review w/ work stations led by outgoing seniors. Students will be placed in stunt groups. It is highly
suggested your stunt groups work together before the clinic to be well-prepared. Open Gym sessions
will be held on April 8th and 10th from starting at 6pm. Open Gym sessions are not a mandatory part of
the tryout process, but your participation is strongly encouraged. All tryout events are closed to the
public.

Students will do their formal tryout in a group of three, randomly chosen by numbers drawn on Friday
evening. Once in place for the formal tryout, you will be asked to individually show your triple jump.
Your group will then be asked to show fifteen seconds of spirit where you will be judged on your crowd
leading ability. Following your spirit, your group will be asked to show the clinic chant, cheer, and Fight
Song. The clinic chant, cheer, and Fight Song will be judged on motion placement, sync of motions w/
group, words (cheer & chant), sharpness, and overall impression.

Varsity will carry 20-25 cheerleaders, and JV will carry 16-20 cheerleaders. On the attached application,
you will have the option to choose whether or not you are interested in a spot on either team or if you
are only interested in being on one or the other. Our Competitive Cheerleaders will be chosen from our
Varsity team, with the possible exception of students enrolling between April 11 - August 2.

Judges/coaches decisions are FINAL. Appropriate attire must be worn for the clinic and should include
proper athletic shoes. No jewelry or gum. Cell phones should be silenced during the clinic. Hair must be
worn in a secure, clean ponytail. Please dress in THS colors – orange and blue – and take advantage of
this opportunity to show us your school spirit! Returns are encouraged not to wear practice clothes from
the previous year in order to make all participants feel included. Saturday afternoon’s tryout attire is a
white t-shirt with black shorts. The coaches & judges will be looking at your overall
presentation/representation of yourself to a crowd over the course of the tryout process.

Please be respectful & encouraging toward others at all times and keep a positive attitude.

Your total tryout score will be composed as below:
Teacher recommendations:                                           20 pts

(average of all current teachers w/ zeros for any missing)

Stunting                                                           10 pts

Standing tumbling                                                   5 pts

Running tumbling                                                   10 pts

Double jump                                                        5 pts

Toe Touch                                                          5 pts

Fifteen seconds of spirit                                          5 pts

Chant                                                              10 pts

Cheer                                                              15 pts

Dance                                                              15 pts

Overall Total:                                              possible: 100

Again, we ask that you carefully read all the material in this packet. It is imperative that prospective
cheerleaders and their parents understand what is expected.

Being a part of THS Cheerleading can be some of the best memories of your life. Cheerleading is a
wonderful opportunity to learn about leadership, school spirit, and responsibility. I welcome your
participation at the clinic if you are ready to be a leader, work hard, and show Tiger Pride.

I wish you all the best at tryouts, enjoy the experience!

Sincerely,

Alexandria Rodriguez
THS Head Cheer Coach, Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher

rodalexa@osceola.k12.fl.us

407.4833685 , x70602

Tohopekaliga Cheerleading Teacher Recommendation
           This form is for all CURRENT teachers of a cheerleading applicant.
Teacher,
 __________________________________ is preparing to tryout for the 2020-2021
cheerleading team at Tohopekaliga High School. Please take a few minutes and complete this
recommendation form. This form needs to be returned to Coach Rodriguez and received no
later than Tuesday April 13th. (Middle school teachers can return them through the courier -
please take into account the due date.) Do NOT return these recommendations to the student
or parent under any circumstance. They are to be kept completely confidential.
Recommendations will be averaged together to account for 20% of each student’s total tryout
score. Missing recommendations will be averaged in as zeroes, and any late paperwork will
result in the cheerleader having a three point deduction from their total score. Using a scale of
1-4 (1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = great), please rate the student in each category. Please be
as accurate as possible, as your insight is extremely valuable. I sincerely appreciate your
assistance.
Sincerely,
Alexandria Rodriguez
TKHS Cheerleading Coach
rodalexa@osceola.k12.fl.us
407.4833685 , x70602

Current Grade: ________
School Spirit                 1              2               3              4
Leadership qualities          1              2               3              4
Attitude                     1               2               3              4
Behavior in classroom 1                      2               3              4
Attendance                   1               2               3              4
Teacher Name:_________________________________________________________________

Teacher Signature: __________________________________________Date:________________

Comments:

Parent/Guardian Permission Form
I give my child, ____________________________________, permission to be an THS cheerleader for
the 2020-2021 school year. If selected, she has permission to participate in all cheerleading events and I
understand that she must abide by the rules set forth. I also understand that cheerleading events will be
held year round. I furthermore understand that attendance at all events throughout the year is a
requirement of a cheerleader. I understand that if my child becomes a cheerleader, we are responsible
for transportation to and from some events. I also understand that I am to be prompt and on time to
drop off and/or pick up my cheerleader at the time specified by the coach and failure to do so may
cause my child to lose privileges. I realize that THS Cheerleaders will be expected to follow certain team
guidelines. I have read and fully understood the THS Cheerleading Tryout Packet. I accept that the
coaches reserve the right to add or modify said guidelines as need arises. I understand that the coaches
hold all rights to hold athletes accountable and use disciplinary actions to their discretion (i.e.
suspension, termination. Etc.)
While I know that THS is committed to the cheerleading program an provides extensive support, I
understand that the coaches and school assume no financial obligation due to individual expenses
incurred by cheerleaders. I understand that, if chosen, my daughter will be required to pay individual
costs as detailed on the Fee Schedule.
I agree not to hold liable/responsible the coaches, THS (its staff or volunteers), and the School District of
Osceola County for any accident or injury that may occur as a result of participation in THS Cheerleading.
I give my permission for my child to receive medical attention in the event that I am not present or
cannot be reached.
I understand and respect that the coaches have families and their own lives too. I will only contact a
coach “after hours” if the issue is a dire emergency. If it is something that can wait, I will wait, and I
understand and will respect that e-mail is the preferred method of contact for all non-emergency issues.
I understand all responsibilities and requirements should my child become an THS Cheerleader. I have
read this Permission Form, fully understand its terms, and sign it freely and voluntarily.

Signature or parent: __________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Parent/Gaurdian Information

Name: __________________________________________ Cell Phone #: __________________________
Email address: _________________________________________________________________________

Secondary Emergency Contact Information (If Parent/Guardian is unable to be reached)
Name: ______________________________________ Cell Phone #: ______________________________
Relationship to Applicant: _______________________________________________________________

2019 – 2020 THS Cheerleading Constitution
Purpose
      Our Purpose is to create and promote school spirit, pride, and loyalty, to encourage good
      sportsmanship by building better relationships between schools, and to bring positive
      recognition to our school through superior representation, public relations, and competition.
      Furthermore, the THS Cheerleading program is designed to promote interest in school activities,
      develop responsibility, teach self-respect, encourage honest effort, strive for perfection and
      develop character, as well as teach teamwork and pride in a quality performance through
      maintaining high standards.
   These guidelines have been designed to build a high caliber cheerleading squad with a
      respectable and impressive reputation. School and district rules must be followed at all events
      including off-campus activities. Cheerleaders should be leaders both within the school and in
      our community and set a good example at all times

Qualifications
   Grades
       o All squad members must maintain a cumulative 2.0 unweighted GPA to cheer.
       o Weekly eligibilities will be checked by Guidance the day of the last practice prior to
            each sideline game.
                  An F grade is unacceptable and will result in the cheerleader being immediately
                     suspended from cheering on the sideline until the grade comes up. A D grade
                     will be given a warning, and if it is still a D the following week, the cheerleader
                     will be suspended until the grade comes up.
                  Cheerleaders have until the end of the school day on game day to bring a
                     printout to the coach should the grade change on game day.
   Physical Fitness
       o Cheerleaders must be physically fit in order to participate effectively in stunting,
            jumping, tumbling, and other aspects of cheerleading. Cheerleaders with weak joints are
            requested to wear braces or other appropriate protective equipment. Cheerleaders
            need to keep themselves healthy. Any health problem that appears to be a detriment to
            the cheerleader or the squad must be addressed. A doctor’s note may be required
            and/or a period of sitting out may result.

   Financial Obligations
        o Candidates must be and remain in good financial standing with the school.
        o Individual costs must be paid according to the Fee Schedule or the cheerleader will be
            placed on the THS Obligation List and unable to cheer until payment is made.
        o Participation in select team fundraisers is required.
        o Each cheerleader will be required to maintain good condition and cleanliness of
            his/her uniform(s). Failure to do so will result in being placed on the THS Obligation
            List for a new, replacement uniform.

Accountability
   Cheerleaders will earn the right to cheer through excellence in academics and school conduct,
    hard work, attendance at practices and events, great attitudes, teamwork, moral conduct,
    knowledge of material, and the display of a sincere attitude to cheer and promote spirit. The
    coaches will decide if each cheerleader has earned that right on a continual basis throughout
    the year.
   Each cheerleader will be required to learn all material used at THS. All material needs to be
    performance-ready well in advance of its first performance. Failure to do so will require the
    cheerleader to sit out under they are performance-ready.
   Cheerleaders are not permitted to allow a non-cheerleader to wear their uniform, at any time,
    for any reason.
   A cheerleader represents his/her school both in and out of uniform, therefore a cheerleader’s
    moral conduct should be above reproach at all times. Misconduct includes (but is not limited to)
    the misuse of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, inappropriate language, participation in parties/events
    where the above mentioned are present, lying, fighting, inappropriate use of social media, and
    promiscuity.
   Cheerleaders are held accountable to follow any and ALL rules set forth by a coach. Failure to
    abide by rules could lead to suspension and/or termination from the team.

Attendance
   All cheerleaders must attend every team event in its entirety. ¬
   Cheerleaders must be present for at least half the school day on game days in order to cheer.
    Any exceptions must have prior approval of the coach. It is the responsibility of the cheerleader
    to notify the coach immediately if they missed more than half the day. ¬
   Any cheerleader who is absent from school must notify their coach immediately on the day of
    the absence if there is an event scheduled for that day. Coaches will decide if the absence is
    excused or not. ¬
   If a cheerleader is ill and must miss a team event, he/she must be at home resting or seeking
    medical appointments.
         o If you are able to still come to a team event and sit out or “take it easy”, you are
             expected to do so
   All doctor’s appointments, college visits, etc., should be scheduled so that they do not interfere
    with team events.
   Tardiness
         o Being prompt (5-15 minutes early) is expected at all cheerleading events.
         o All practices will have a sign-in sheet. If you arrive late to a sideline practice, you will be
             benched one quarter for every 15 minutes you are late. If you consistently arrive late to
             competitive practice, your spot on the team may be reconsidered.
         o Be aware that traffic may be a concern and is not a valid excuse for tardiness.
         o Cheerleaders must be at a football game at one hour before start time, and at a
             basketball game one half hour before start time. Any time after that is considered late
             and will result in being benched one quarter.
         o Please notify a coach (not a fellow teammate) immediately if you even think you may be
             late. Just because you “told the coach” does not mean the absence is excused. ¬

   Transportation

o    Transportation to out-of-county away games and competitions will be arranged through
               the school (rental vans). The coach will designate a place and time to meet. If you are
               late to that designated place, you may be left behind, resulting in an unexcused
               absence. If you choose not to ride home with the team, YOUR PARENT must sign you
               out through a coach before the end of the event.
           o Transportation to and from all in-county activities, Summer Camp, and UCA Nationals is
               the responsibility of the cheerleader and their parent/guardian.
     Work, not having a ride, “I forgot,” studying, outside activities, etc. are not considered an
      acceptable excuse for missing or being late to any event. Students should understand that only
      serious illness, very special extenuating family circumstances, and certain other THS
      commitments are legitimate reasons to miss or be late to a cheerleading event.
     School attendance is of utmost importance. Excessive school absences are unacceptable and can
      affect your spot on the team.
     Continually being late to (or missing) cheerleading events can affect your spot on the team, even
      if they are for “excused” reasons.
     Coaches are much more willing to work with a cheerleader when advance notice is given of a
      conflict. Last minute surprises are unacceptable and will be dealt with more severely.

Practice and Events
   Appearance
        o Appropriate clothing must be worn and information will be given as to what outfits
             (often including bow, socks, undergarments, etc.) will be worn for all events.
        o Whenever dressed in “required attire,” you are to remain that way until you are home &
             fully changed.
        o Hair must be worn in a secure ponytail for all practices and performances. Please arrive
             to practice ready to practice and plan for your hair to last throughout the entire
             practice.
        o Wearing jewelry is prohibited with the exception of religious or medical medals that are
             taped to the body under the uniform without a chain. Prohibited jewelry includes fishing
             line through any piercing to keep the hole from closing and woven friendship
             bracelets/anklets. This includes new piercings. Eyeglasses must be secured with a strap.
             SMALL PEARL STUD EARRINGS are the only jewelry allowed for community events.
        o Cheerleaders’ fingernails must be kept short. Only clear nail polish or traditional/plain
             French manicure is acceptable.
        o Visible tattoos are not allowed.
        o No gum is allowed at events.
        o Light neutral makeup & lipstick is to be worn for all events.
   Practices will not be organized around meeting times and dates of other clubs and
    organizations.
   Cheerleaders are responsible for bringing their THS cheerleading duffel bag, backpack, or sling
    bag with raincoat and poms to ALL events.
   Cheerleaders are responsible for bringing their own water/sports drink to ALL events.
   Cheerleaders are to promote good sportsmanship at all events. Showing respect for other
    cheerleaders, organizations, players, the student body, coaches, officials, and spectators is a
    must.
   At all events, the coach makes all decisions regarding whether a cheerleader participates as well
    as to the extent of their participation. If parents have concerns about any decisions the coach

makes, please contact the coach the next school day following the event (e-mail is preferred
      method of communication unless there is a dire emergency).

Discipline
   Discipline can be given by any THS cheerleading coach or school administrator.
   All issues will be dealt with on an individual basis as they may arise.
   Benched means the cheerleader will sit out for a portion of the game, suspended means the
    cheerleader is not allowed to dress in uniform or participate in the event(s).
   Excessive, repetitive, and/or cumulative discipline can result in the cheerleader being ultimately
    dismissed from the team.
   All concerns should always be addressed with the coach first.

Contacting Coaches
   Please take into consideration that your coaches have families and their own lives too! ϑ When
    contacting a coach “after hours,” please consider first if the issue is a dire emergency. If it is
    something that can wait - please wait!! We ask that you e-mail us for all non-emergency issues.
          o Coach Alex: rodalexa@osceola.k12.l.us

          o Coach Lamara: lamarapope@osceolaschools.net

     “After hours” refers to after practices/events and weekends that are not a competition
      weekend.
      Dire emergencies are things such as illness, injury, death in the family, etc.
     Please always remember that a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency
      on ours

Demerits will be used as a disciplinary tool and will be given by the Coaching staff.
    •   An accumulation of 5 demerits will result in suspension from one game.
    •   An accumulation of 10 demerits will result in suspension for two weeks (must sit out)
    •   An accumulation of 15 demerits will result in dismissal from the squad.
The coach will have a spreadsheet that will be utilized for demerits. If a cheerleader earns a demerit, the
coach will write the date and reason for the demerit on the spreadsheet. The cheerleader will be notified
immediately when receiving a demerit and will sign. Parents will be notified if demerits are consistent.
One demerit will be given for:
    •   Jewelry at practice or games/ acrylic nails
    •   Failing to wear the proper practice uniform
    •   Eating during practice (even on a water break) or a game (with the exception of halftime)
Two demerits will be given for:
    •   Use of foul language/ Poor sportsmanship
    •   Leaving early from practice, a game or any cheerleading activity (unexcused)
    •   Use of a cell phone during practice or at a game without permission
    •   Being late for practice or a game, or any other cheerleading activity without 24 hour coach notice.
    •   Arriving at a game without being fully dressed in the correct uniform (hair up w/ bow, shoes
        already on, etc.)
Three demerits will be given for:
    •   Wearing the uniform incompletely (i.e. wearing only spanks with top, sports bras, no spanks etc.)
    •   Failure to attend practice or a game (unexcused)
    •   Failure to notify the coach prior to an excused absence at a game or practice
    •   Inappropriate PDA on school grounds and in uniform
    •   Arguing with other team members/ unsportsman like conduct with or about other team members
    •   Any referrals received/ skipping classes
Five demerits will be given for:
    •   Not cooperating with the team captains
    •   Disobeying or arguing with the coach
    •   Disrespecting teachers/administration.
Suspension: Suspension means not being allowed to perform for two weeks. During this time the
cheerleader must continue to attend all practices and must sit with the coach during games. Two
suspensions equaling 12 demerits will result in dismissal from the squad.
Dismissal:
Any inappropriate behavior, which reflects on the reputation of the squad or school, including smoking,
drinking, use of drugs, or any other illegal behavior will lead to immediate dismissal from the squad. Any
significantly inappropriate behavior as determined by the school administration or coach may result in
dismissal from the squad. If a squad member is dismissed or quits the squad, all money fundraised or
turned in for costs will not be reimbursed, uniforms must be returned to the school promptly, and the
individual will not be allowed to participate in cheerleading the following year.

This is acknowledgement that I have read and understood the Cheer Captain’s Duty Handbook for
Tohopekaliga High School Cheerleading for the 2019-2020 season.

Student Print___________________________ Signature____________________________

Parent Print ___________________________ Signature_____________________________

Date____________________________

Important dates
Date                                        Time          Location
March 30                Parent information 6 pm           Gym
                        meeting
April 13nd              Tryout packet due 3pm             Coach Rodriguez
April 8th & 10
          nd     th
                        Open gym           6pm            Gym/track
April 13th- 15th        Clinic             5:00-7pm       Gym/track
April 16th              Formal Tryout      5pm            Gym
April 16th              Teams Posted       Evening        THS Social Media
April 20th              Parent Welcome     6pm            Media Center
                        Meeting
April 20th              Fitting            After School   Room 5-102
April 20th              Cheer Camp         10pm           Online
                        Payment Due
April 22nd, 24th,       Practice           5-7pm          Track
27th, 29th
May 1st, 4th, 6th,      Practice            5-7pm         Track
8th, 11th, 13th, 15th
May 2nd                 Best Buddies Walk   TBA           Lake Eola
May 15th                Camp wear           10pm          Online
                        payment Due
May 18th                Team Bonding        5-7 pm        Track
May 20th                Sideline Practice   5-7 pm        Track
May 22nd                Spring Game         5:30 meet     Home
June 15th               3rd payment due     10pm          online
July 1st-3rd            Practice            10am-2        Gym/track
July 7th-9th            Cheer Camp          Away          USF
July 14th, July 16th    Practice            10-1          Gym/ Track
July 17th               Fundraising         10-12         Publix
July 21st, July 23rd    Sideline practice   10-1          Gym/Track
July 27th-July 28th     Choreo              TBA           Gym/Track
August 3rd, 5th, 7th    Sideline Practice   10-1          Gym/ track
August 10th             Sideline Practice   2:30- 5:00    Gym